Australia's horror film scene is making waves, and the latest addition, Leviticus, is a prime example of this rising genre. Directed by Adrian Chiarella, this film delves into the primal emotion of fear and explores its connection to homophobia.
Chiarella, with his unique multicultural background, understands the universal language of fear. He grew up in a family where humor didn't always bridge the gap, but stories of the scary and supernatural did. This insight into the power of fear became the foundation for his debut feature.
The Horror of Homophobia
Leviticus tells the story of two teenage boys, Naim and Ryan, whose lives are turned upside down after a kiss. They encounter a demon that takes the form of their deepest desire - each other. Chiarella wanted to create a film that addressed homophobia in a unique way, moving beyond the typical exorcism narrative.
"I started thinking: what's the opposite of that? I came up with the idea of a horror movie monster or entity that takes the form of what you desire most - that's how it lures you in." - Adrian Chiarella
This inversion is a powerful statement: the monster isn't queerness, it's homophobia. Chiarella draws from his own experiences, having grown up with atheist parents but attending a religious school, and witnessing the struggles of queer individuals within his extended family.
Australian Horror's Rising Star
Leviticus' success at Sundance and its subsequent acquisition by NEON is a testament to Australia's growing presence in the horror genre. Causeway Films, the production company behind several notable Australian horror films, has played a pivotal role in this rise. Samantha Jennings, a producer and co-founder of Causeway, believes there's something uniquely Australian about these horror stories that resonates globally.
"Even though there's this kind of mythology around Australians as laid-back and easygoing, there is a lot unspoken and there's a lot repressed in terms of our society and a lot that isn't faced." - Samantha Jennings
This sense of repression and otherness, Jennings suggests, is a key element in Australian horror's appeal.
Beyond the Scares
What sets Causeway's films apart is their emotional depth. While they are horror films, the impact lies in the personal connections and the lingering emotions they evoke. Jennings believes in the power of films that can make you feel scared, laugh, and cry - a true emotional rollercoaster.
A Queer Love Story
With the rise of the 'bury your gays' trope in media, Chiarella was intentional about the ending of Leviticus. He wanted to avoid this depressing narrative and instead merge the truth of a queer love story with the horror genre. The film's final moments are accompanied by a song from Frank Ocean, a significant choice that adds to the emotional depth.
Fan Engagement and Impact
Chiarella is excited about the film's potential to inspire and connect with audiences. NEON's release of fan edit footage has sparked a wave of creative responses, something Chiarella didn't anticipate. People have expressed their wish for Leviticus to have existed when they were younger, a sentiment that resonates with the director himself.
"Just to know that I'm seen - but also to know that other people like me enjoy this kind of genre and have turned to movies for the same reason. That would've been very special." - Adrian Chiarella
Leviticus is more than just a horror film; it's a powerful exploration of fear, homophobia, and the enduring power of queer love.
